It’s hard to imagine that just a few short months ago we were enjoying sunny summer days. 2011 was my best year yet, having achieved a few milestones: four and a half years running FensePost, riding my bike from Seattle to Portland and logging over 1,000 total on those two wheels between January and December, enjoying life with the love of my life (Andi), and a few defining mindset changes that put the two of us on a path to minimalism and frugality.

All of this has led to happiness. That the year saw the release of hundreds of great songs, singles, EPs and LPs was just an added bonus.

Over the holiday, I sat down and compiled a list of my top EPs of the year. It was in advance of my Friday radio show, for that show, so the list is a bit longer than would be otherwise. I present my top 24 EPs of the 2011, two dozen extended plays of pure bliss… with a few added 7″ singles to flesh out the list.

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24. Goethe Head Soup by Crystal Swells

Crystal Swells is a raucous post rock meets slightly sloppy garage-y punk band out of BC. Loud and fun, this band has plenty of hooks to maintain high interest. Get ready to have your face melted off; these guys are intense.

Download: “Mellow Californian

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23. Spirit Home by Ryan Trott

Ryan Trott creates some very interesting lo-fi beach pop. As one third of the band Family Trees (and the vocal counterpart at that), it should not be surprising that his solo stuff lines up pretty well with that band. Here he produces yet another solid release.

Download: “Gentle Eyes (For Daisy)” by Ryan Trott

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22. New Brighton by Said The Whale

The first time I heard “Sandy Bay Fishing Song”, I had to do a quick search on this band to see if the head vocalist was also a member of They Might Be Giants. This band has that vocal sound without being weird, childish, and bat-shit crazy. In fact, take TMBG vocals and put behind them clever lyrics, excellent pop-rock hooks, and you’ll have Said The Whale.

Download: “Lines” by Said The Whale

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21. Paint The Town by David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels

With a modern twist to an 80s synth pop vibe, David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels was a bit of a surprise. Yet the songs this band creates stick with you and are thoroughly enjoyable.

Download: “Paint The Town” by David Newton & Thee Mighty Angels

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20. Parlours EP by Parlours

Parlours is a lovely little band from Des Moines and their self-titled EP blends an earnest style of indie pop with the intimate nature of indie folk. “I Dream of Chicago” is an easy favorite, with harmony male/female vocals and a backing chorus of strings.

Listen: “I Dream Of Chicago” by Parlours

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19. Among Friends by Suturee

Honestly, it took me quite a while to get into this five-song EP. I really enjoyed the first album the band sent me, and Among Friends should have been an instant favorite, but it wasn’t. After several listens, it finally clicked and the powerful tracks like closer “Name Remains” became eventual favorites.

Download: “Name Remains” by Suturee

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18. Summer Demos by The Novel Ideas

For some reason, The Novel Ideas remind me of bands like The Lucksmiths and Math & Physics Club. I think it’s because they sound like they could be a US-based or southern-hemisphere based band on Matinee Records. I really enjoyed this all-too brief four-song demo EP, enough for it to come in at number 18.

Download: “On Fire” by The Novel Ideas

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17. Take My Hand by Orca Team

From Seattle comes Orca Team, a band that creates super infectious lo-fi dance-worthy beach pop. This band has the sound of 1960s pop written all over it, and this single is a perfect example of how that sound continues to thrive. Take My Hand is the second single I’ve grabbed by these guys and gals and it’s my favorite one yet.

Listen: “Take My Hand” by Orca Team

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16. From Silence by Exitmusic

Dreamy and mystical, Exitmusic creates songs perfect for those moments in the early morning when the light is dim and the fog is heavy. Blast any of these songs at that time of day, when the coffee is just hitting your veins, and I’d bet money that you’ll shiver in delight.

Download: “The Sea” by Exitmusic

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15. Pink Information by The Mantles

I struggled at first with Pink Information. The Mantles’ self-titled LP was among my favorites the year it was released, and remains a mainstay in my playlist to this day; the EP just doesn’t have that same sound I fell in love with on that album. It has grown on me, though, and comes in at #16. Many will dub “Lily Never Married” as the highlight, but closing track “Waiting Out The Storm” is what does it for me.

Download: “Situations” by The Mantles

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14. Whatever I Want by Jeff The Brotherhood

Granted, Whatever I Want is not an EP, but I decided to slip in a few singles. Employing some of the techniques from the days of 90s grunge, and taking it to a new level of epic-ness, Jeff The Brotherhood has dominated in creating excellent rock anthems over the past few years. The A-Side on this 7-inch was not on the band’s 2011 LP, which makes its appearance on this list notable.

Watch: “Whatever I Want” by Jeff the Brotherhood

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13. An Argument With Myself by Jens Lekman

Oh, the always quirky Jens Lekman. Always a favorite, and his 2011 EP, An Argument With Myself is no exception. Not quite as poppy as the last LP, this is still more than worthy of your time and money.

Download: “An Argument With Myself” by Jens Lekman

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12. (I’ll Beat My Chest Like) King Kong by BOAT

It’s hard not to like BOAT. The band is so fun, off-the-wall interesting and unique. Even though I’m now in my thirties and weird songs rarely find their way into my playlist, BOAT has never had a problem getting on there. I guess we all need to feel like a kid sometime, and they make it so easy and fun.

Watch: “(I’ll Beat My Chest Like) King Kong” by BOAT

* * * * *

11. Earth Division by Mogwai

Earth Division is one of two releases Mogwai gave us in 2011. I love its simplicity, it’s classical leanings, and, of course, post rock sensibilities. It begins soft with “Get To France” and continues that trend in “Hound Of Winter”, where the band adds vocals. Then “Drunk And Crazy” explodes with loud guitars. And it concludes with a song just as soft and melodic as the opening track. This is one cohesive piece of music with four movements. Brilliant!

* * * * *

10. Alabama Shakes by Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes have and old soul sound, one that hints of Daptone and the 60s. Of late we’re getting a lot of reissues of these records, which is great, but Alabama Shakes show that this style lives strong today.

Download: “I Found You” by Alabama Shakes

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09. Via Flamina by Futurebirds

I’m new to Futurebirds. This is their most recent release, and one of two EPs they put out in 2011. In 2010, they gave us an LP, of which I too have not heard. But boy do I love Via Flamina! Futurebirds have easily cracked the top 10 with this one!

Download: “Wild Heart” by Futurebirds

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08. The Years by Memoryhouse

I love the mystical dreamy nature of Memoryhouse. And that they sampled a main theme from one of my favorite films, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, for “Lately”. The Years is the band’s solid debut on Sub Pop, and I cannot wait to hear what this band has in store for us in 2012!

Download: “Quiet America” by Memoryhouse

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07. What A Pleasure by Beach Fossils

Beach Fossils stunned with their 2010 self-titled release. What A Pleasure is their stellar follow-up and has been a mainstay in my playlist all year. The beachy, lo-fi pop music trend may have slowed this year, but I still dig it!

Download: “Calyer” by Beach Fossils

* * * * *

06. Begin Again by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

Some music just makes you happy. To me, that’s Charles Leo Gebhardt IV. Everything about this artist makes me smile. The curled orange mustache he sported during this last EP, saying his name out loud (especially that one), but most importantly the music he creates. Begin Again is the perfect follow up to Unfaithful.

Download: “Chapel Of Roses” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

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05. Warma by Darlings

Darlings have the 90s written all over them. Those heavy rock guitar riffs, hints of garage, plentiful vocal hooks, and hefty drums. I loved their debut LP, but I think Warma is even better.

* * * * *

04. Tall Cedars of Lebanon by The Lovely Sparrows

There will always be a special place in my heart for The Lovely Sparrows. Not only are they among the most friendly, humble musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, Shawn Jones and company are immensely skilled musicians and songwriters. This was proven on their earliest of EPs, followed through on their LP from a few years back, and continued in full force here.

Download: “National Monuments” by The Lovely Sparrows

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03. Paper Crush by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

The debut LP from Letting Up Despite Great Faults should really have been much higher on my end of year list from a few years back, but it wasn’t. So I made sure to give their new EP a good listen well in advance of this year’s list. From “Sophia In Gold” to “Teenage Tide”, this EP easily deserves a top 3 spot.

Download: “Teenage Tide” by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

* * * * *

02. A Good Woman Is Hard To Find by PAPA

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the year, A Good Woman Is Hard To Find by PAPA is a collection of 5 powerfully strong tracks by a band that consists of Darren Weiss and Daniel Presant, two supporting members of the hyped up band Girls. It should be no surprise, then that the two front a project just as hype-worthy as the band they support.

Download: “Ain’t It So” by PAPA

* * * * *

01. A New Kind Of House by Typhoon

Opening track “The Honest Truth” by Typhoon comes in as #1 in my most-listened-to songs of 2011, logging nearly 200 digital plays in iTunes, at least a dozen on vinyl, and I’m sure plenty more on my iPods that were never recorded. As a whole, A New Kind Of House is a powerful folk-pop EP packed with great songwriting, supported by expert orchestration, and filled with full vocal harmony. This EP easily deserves its pedestal position.

Download: “Summer Home” by Typhoon

I figured with my previous show being devoted to songs that remind me of sleep, this one would be the opposite. After a few bouts of standard indie rock, things got thick and loud.

A shout out to my buddy Brett, for tuning in from Sedro-Woolley. Next time I’ll have to add Tullycraft to the list in honor of how we met.

The show began with a song off one of my desert island top 5 albums, and ended with a track that’s nearly thirty years old. In between was great indie rock and garage rock from the past decade or so.

Click bold playlist entries to visit related content.

“Call It Ours” by The Legends off Up Against The Legends

“Rotten Hell” by Menomena off Friend And Foe
“Melectric” by Ramona Falls off Intuit
“Cold Feet” by Lost Lander off DRRT

“Vomit” by Girls off Father, Son, Holy Ghost
“Collector” by PAPA off A Good Woman Is Hard To Find
“Hoop Of Love” by Dominant Legs off Invitation

“The Concept (Teenage Fanclub Cover)” by Blue Skies For Black Hearts
“I’m A Thief” by Fresh & Onlys off Play It Strange
“Hey Friend” by JEFF The Brotherhood off We Are The Champions
“Summer Solstice” by Crystal Antlers off Two-Way Mirror

“Burden” by The Mantles off The Mantles

“After The Call” by Electrelane off No Shouts No Calls
“Big Girl” by Darlings off Warma
“Weekends” by Teenage Reverb off Isolation Tape Night

“Punks In The Beerlight” by Silver Jews off Tanglewood Numbers
“Firedrill” by Sam Humans off Live Free & Let Loose
“Nerve Jamming” by Bass Drum Of Death off GB City

“I Don’t Wanna Know” by Shimmering Stars off Violent Hearts
“You Don’t Want Kids To Be Dead” by The Beets off Let The Poison Out
“Bring Your Love” by The Cave Weddings off Bring Your Love (7″ Single)

“When I’m With You” by Best Coast off Crazy For You
“Into The Sea” by Seapony off Go With Me
“I Will Be” by Dum Dum Girls off I Will Be
“Dead Man’s Sister” by Tea Cozies

“You Make The Sun Fry” by Ty Segall off Goodbye Bread
“You Should Close The Door” by Craft Spells off Idle Labor

“No Doctor” by Virgin Islands off Ernie Chambers Vs. God
“Brave Dumb Face” by Unnatural Helpers off Cracked Love & Other Drugs

“Smile” by The Fall off Perverted By Language

I know I said I was going to take a mini vacation for a few days, but an awesome new JEFF The Brotherhood video is enough to bring me out of hibernation. “Hey Friend” is off the band’s new LP, We Are The Champions, out soon (June 21) on Infinity Cat Records. It was directed by Lina Plioplyte and it has a bit more color than the band’s previous stuff. It fits the epic wail of distorted, greasy guitar rock JEFF The Brotherhood creates.

You simply must check out this album, and “Hey Friend” kicks it all into gear with an epic near 2-minute wail of stoner garage rock guitar solo. The song’s transition into vocals is just as stunning; the volume drops from the guitar to something much softer (yet still gritty as all hell). And the vocals are fittingly nonchalant and overly laid back. Plioplyte plays off this well, washing out the video in a white haze.

Check out the video below and pick up We Are The Champions on June 21. From one who’s had it playing frequently the past week or so, I can assure you that you won’t regret it.

“Shredder” lives up to its name, but I honestly wouldn’t expect anything less from JEFF The Brotherhood. The band exudes the shred mentality with wild infectious guitar riffs epic in their near simple, slushy nature backed by heavily beat drums. And they take it to the next level with the inclusion of keyboards. “Shredder” matches the personality of everything off 2009′s Heavy Days, an album that came in at #10 on my year end list.

“Shredder” will be released on the band’s new LP, We Are The Champions, out soon on Infinity Cat Recordings.

Download: “Shredder” by JEFF The Brotherhood

So this is it, the first FensePost Podcast. A few weeks ago I sat down and compiled a mix of various songs; some new, some old, most finding some relation to garage rock or garage pop. Hence the title, From The Garage. The theme is loose, so some bands fit and some don’t. There are sixteen songs total here, stemming from local Seattle and Portland acts on across the world. New Zealand, Sweden, Canada… you get the picture. Enough banter — listen to the FenseCast already.

Download: FenseCast Volume #1 Issue #1: From The Garage

1. “Bad Bands” by Capgun Coup from Maudlin
2. “Unfaithful” by Charles Leo Gebhardt IV from Unfaithful
3. “Mysterious” by The Splinters from Kick
4. “Johans Val” by The Hartmans from Sportman Demo
5. “Strolling Past The Old Graveyard (featuring Karl Blau)” by Gigi from Maintenant
6. “Face Inside The Sun” by The Bats from Don’t You Rise 7″ Single
7. “When The Sun Falls Down” by Double Dan from At Dawn
8. “Paper Airplanes” by The Glasses from Story Problems
9. “Baked Brown” by The Golden Hours from Spooky EP
10. “The Girl Who’s Above Us” by Tullycraft from Songs From The Bigtop
11. “In Sunless Seas” by Vells from Vells EP
12. “Safe At Home” by Eternal Summers from beko_16
13. “Sisters Are Forever” by Sexy Kids from Sisters Are Forever 7″ Single
14. “Apple Disaster” by Wet Confetti from This Is (So Illegal)
15. “Growing” by Jeff The Brotherhood from Heavy Days
16. “Breaking The Ice” by Jeremy Jay from Breaking The Ice 7″ Single

As I’m new to the whole podcast thing, if any songs are being used in a manner deemed not appropriate, please contact me and I will rectify the situation as soon as possible.

2009 is a tough year to judge. I’ve checked out more albums this year than any year in the past. Well over 1,000. And there have been quite a few great ones as well. When this list began, it had 110 albums. I abandoned my top 33 and 1/3 for 45, and then said “screw it” and upped the number to an even 50. These are the top notch albums of the year, all worthy of praise.

Despite trouble all around, 2009 wasn’t all that bad. It forced us to hold our wallets a little closer, and by doing so allowed us to enjoy some simpler things in life. Living briefly in Edison before buying a house, I’d take walks around town with my camera in hand and my iPod in ear. The above photo was from one of those journeys.

It was the year of fuzzy pop, so it’s no surprise that the biggest standout label from the year would have to be Slumberland, who gave us a slew of phenomenal singles, a few great albums, and a number of excellent EPs. Hometapes also finds their artists sprinkled throughout the list. As usual, there are some local favorites, as well as a few obscurities.

Off we go…

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50. Postcard by Elin Palmer

From Devotchka fame comes Elin Palmer, whose Denver by way of Sweden sounds blend multi-instrumental orchestral folk with angelic vocals. Title track “Postcard” is a mystic song that hits all the right notes, from beautiful echoing vocals to soft accordion and masterful strings.

Elin Palmer: Postcard [mp3]

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49. Cosmic Clancy by The Nightgowns

The Nightgowns turned some heads in the Pacific Northwest this year, gaining momentum with their synth-based pop. It’s simple and catchy, but a dark base and vocal pairing keeps it from being overly twee.

The Nightgowns: Cosmic Clancy [mp3]

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48. The Mountain by Heartless Bastards

Title track “The Mountain” is truly an epic, and it’s hard not to say the same about at least half the songs on Heartless Bastards’ latest LP. These songs are pure rock and hint at a greater 70s theme yet find themselves entirely modern. And the female-fronted vocal styling is deep and filled with a verbose vibrato, making Erika Wennerstrom one of the more unique vocalists around.

Heartless Bastards: The Mountain [mp3]

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47. Letting Up Despite Great Faults by Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Letting Up Despite Great Faults wears their influences on their sleeves. Listening to electronic beats and fuzzy keys and guitars, fronted by dreamy reverb-filled vocals, one can hear hints of The Radio Dept. in nearly every song on this album. That is far from a bad thing, as Letting Up Despite Great Faults picks up precisely where Lesser Matters left off.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults: In Steps [mp3]

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46. Promenade by Grand Hallway

Combining Japanese classical sensibilities with orchestral pop isn’t all that common. Promenade, Grand Hallway’s second album, is much stronger than their debut and it finds the group gaining confidence in their songwriting abilities, both from an instrumentation and a vocal standpoint.

Grand Hallway: Blessed Be, Honey Bee [mp3]

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45. Gather Form & Fly by Megafaun

An experimental style of folk, freak folk, and blend of fully orchestrated folk with minimalist folk, Megafaun does a great job infusing various styles of folk for an entirely unique sound that is fun, crazy, and beautiful all at the same time.

Megafaun: Kaufman’s Ballad [mp3]

* * * * *

44. Första Brevet Till Amerika by The Hartmans

Riding the fuzz pop train is Sweden’s The Hartmans, who remain underground but whose songs are absolutely worth checking out for fans of this year’s favorite sub-genre. Första Brevet Till Amerika is technically the US release of an album from one, possibly two years ago, but because Series II dropped it in ’09, I’ll consider it. The Hartmans focus is harmony backed by massive distorted harmony.

The Hartmans: Neptuni Orden [mp3]

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43. March Of The Zapotec / Holland by Beirut

Beirut’s so-called third LP, March Of The Zapotec / Holland is technically a double EP. One half finds the balkan-influenced band matching their early sounds while the other sees Condon et. al adding in electronic beats.

Beirut: My Night With The Prostitute From Marseille [mp3]

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42. My Maudlin Career by Camera Obscura
“French Navy” is one of my favorite singles of 2009, and title track “My Maudlin Career” is pretty damn close to being an album favorite. This album nears the influence set forth in Let’s Get Out Of This Country.

Camera Obscura: My Maudlin Career [mp3]

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41. Fan The Flames by Golden Bloom

With infectious pop songs like “Doomsday Devices” and “The Flight At The End Of The Tunnel”, Golden Bloom takes contemporary pop to a whole new level. Sure, this stuff is more than nerdy, but you can’t help falling in love with these songs.

Golden Bloom: Doomsday Devices [mp3]

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40. Sunset / Sunrise by The Dutchess & The Duke
Aside from an overall higher production value, The Dutchess & The Duke exudes a greater level of comfort and confidence in the music they create. Sure, this album lacks that gritty lo-fi element so beloved in their debut, but it’s made up with this band’s new-found certainty in their abilities.

The Dutchess & The Duke: Hands [mp3]

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39. Post-Nothing by Japandroids

Japandroids made waves this year with their album Post-Nothing. Many consider “Young Hearts Spark Fire” one of the best songs of the year. Sure, I’ll give them that, but my favorites are “Heart Sweats” and “I Quit Girls”.

Japandroids: Young Hearts Spark Fire [mp3]

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38. Logos by Atlas Sound

I haven’t fully absorbed Logos yet. There are a few albums that haven’t quite fully garnered my attention, and these are the ones that are likely to see big movement when it comes time to compile my 2009 A Retrospective. I rather enjoy what I have digested quite a bit more than Atlas Sound’s last album. In particular is “Walkabout” which features Noah Lennox of Animal Collective/Panda Bear.

Atlas Sound: Walkabout [mp3]

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37. Reservoir by Fanfarlo

Quite like Beirut, but with less emphasis on the obscure and a bit more on greater accessibility to a wider audience, Fanfarlo’s Reservoir is hailed by many as one of the top albums of the year. It’s a bit too much like Beirut at times, but there’s no question that these guys can create a pretty powerful tune. “The Walls Are Coming Down” and “Luna” are instant favorites, songs that aren’t likely to wane any time soon.

Fanfarlo: Luna [mp3]

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36. Welcome Joy by The Cave Singers

Oh man, “At The Cut” rocked. Invitation Songs was pretty damn solid, and placed the band in a unique folk-rock place, hinting at a folk sound from an entirely different era. But Welcome Joy finds The Cave Singers blowing up that earlier sound, injecting some powerful riffs (as if they weren’t there to begin with), and pumping up volume levels a bit. Sure, not all songs are like this, but the right ones are, and that’s all that matters.

The Cave Singers: At The Cut [mp3]

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35. In The Dream Of The Sea Life by Candy Claws

Thanks to a clever mixing in of lapping waves, In The Dream Of The Sea Life nears concept album greatness. Candy Claws mixes highly experimental electro-pop with folky traits common to artists like Animal Collective, but a thousand times dreamier. This music is pleasant and hypnotic.

Candy Claws: Catamaran [mp3]

* * * * *

34. Intuit by Ramona Falls

After Menomena’s Friend And Foe, I’ve been dying to hear more from the band. While we have yet to receive a follow-up, Intuit is pretty damn close. From Menomena’s Brent Knopf comes Ramona Falls and the music has a pretty strong similarity to one of Portland’s best groups. In the coming months, I’ll probably regret keeping this one so low on the list.

Ramona Falls: I Say Fever [mp3]

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33. Vekatimest by Grizzly Bear

Vekatimest has made more of an impact on me than both Yellow House and Horn Of Plenty alike. “Two Weeks”, in fact, is one of my favorite singles of the year. As a whole, this album is more than solid and propels Grizzly Bear into a unique position; out there far enough to warrant lauding by supreme pretentious indie nerds and a more mainstream crowd as well.

Grizzly Bear: Cheerleader [mp3]

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32. Waking Heat by Tempo No Tempo

It’s been a while since I’ve really been into a dub band, but that all changed in 2009. Tempo No Tempo became an instant favorite thanks to a hefty bass/drum part in songs like “The Rat (Part One)” and “Medicines”. Unsigned, I wouldn’t be surprised if this band doesn’t stay that way long.

Tempo No Tempo: Medicines [mp3]

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31. We Bet Our Money On You by Daniel Francis Doyle

Math rock has always been a bit crazy, with pointed beats and riffs and wild lyrics. Daniel Francis Doyle is the most promising artist to fit the genre in a very long time. His abilities extend far, from erratic in-your-face experimental and fully math oriented tracks (“Old Lives”, for example, is quite wonderful, reaching a point between Don Cab and Dismemberment Plan) and soft melodic piano tracks (“Your Baby Is Speaking” is the best representation of that sound). Perfect.

Daniel Francis Doyle: Learning Things In School [mp3]

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30. Keep In Mind Frankenstein by Grand Archives

The harmonies remain, both from an instrumental and vocal standpoint. In Keep In Mind Frankenstein, Grand Archives take it down a notch at times. While there isn’t that immense climax (“The Crime Window” off Grand Archives took that slot), these songs are still quite amazing. Grand Archives’ music is filled with pleasant folk-pop that truly sets this band apart from the crowd.

Grand Archives: Silver Among The Gold [mp3]

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29. Everybody Come Outside by Pomegranates

With their sophomore LP, Everybody Come Outside, Pomegranates have soidified their station as the best creators of upbeat pop songs around. And I’m not just talking songs that will make you nod your head. Even their sadder, less happy songs are entirely bouncy. Prime example: “This Land Used To Be…”

Pomegranates: Corriander [mp3]

* * * * *

28. Family by Le Loup

The Throne, Le Loup’s debut, was an album wrought with strife; it was a tormented display of a mind torn between good and evil. And it leaned quite substantially toward the darkness. With their follow-up, Family, Simkoff seems to have found a pleasant peace among friends. This album lacks some of the minimalistic traits of its predecessor. There are still forays into that wild sound, but now it’s more tribal, connected to individuals outside Simkoff himself. And you can hear it in the music: it’s a positive progression.

Le Loup: Beach Town [mp3]

* * * * *

27. Tarpits & Canyonlands by Bombadil

Mixing a sound that can only be described as a folky rendition of Slaraffenland (or Efterklang) fronted by a Cat Stevens-ish character, Bombadil has produced an entirely unique album that is one of 2009′s must-hears.

* * * * *

26. Setting The Paces by BOAT

Setting The Paces, BOAT’s third album, sees the band progressing as a whole. Songs are more complex, yet they all maintain a fair share of those good ol’ traits that us fans fell in love with upon hearing their debut. D. Crane still has that overly joyous, sarcastic self-deprecating lyrics and that grinning throaty vocal style. These songs rock, and they rock harder than BOAT ever has before.

BOAT: Lately [mp3]

* * * * *

25. Psychic Chasms by Neon Indian

Take Animal Collective, drop in a notable and dark 80s influence. Then ship the whole package over to Europe and shove it into one of their electro thingies. An image should be forming, and the result is probably something along the lines of Neon Indian. By the way, this album cover speaks to this music more than practically all others in 2009.

Neon Indian: Deadbeat Summer [mp3]

* * * * *

24. Telekinesis! by Telekinesis

You wouldn’t expect this album from Telekinesis brain-child Michael Lerner, who is soft spoken and quite kind. Then again, this album isn’t hard hitting, nor is it pretentious. It hits the right pop hooks and injects the perfect amount of rock to achieve something better, more pure. One listen to “Great Lakes” and you’ll be saying Move over Death Cab – there’s a new boy in town!

Telekinesis: Coast Of Carolina [mp3]

* * * * *

23. Parade by Afternoon Naps

When it comes down to it, there is little I love more than a good indie pop album, and Parade by Afternoon Naps is just that. The band’s smokey and mysterious vocals are dark and seductive. There are plenty of somber pop hooks here, but this band isn’t beyond throwing a wrench in that – there’s also a lot of bouncy melodies.

Afternoon Naps: Beach Bums [mp3]

* * * * *

22. Summer Of Hate by Crocodiles

Summer Of Hate brought Crocodiles quite a bit of hype in the indie world upon its release. It took me a while to get around to checking these guys out but I’m very glad I did. The title track remains my favorite, but in truth this album is filled with favorites.

Crocodiles: Summer Of Hate [mp3]

* * * * *

21. Declaration Of Dependence by Kings Of Convenience

“Boat Behind” is one of my favorite videos of the year. It’s perfectly sunny and more than fitting. The title of this album is honest and revealing, and it fits the music this duo creates. Kings Of Convenience is back and I’ll probably kick myself later for not sticking this higher on the list. Oh well.

Kings Of Convenience: Boat Behind [mp3]

* * * * *

20. Beast Rest Forth Mouth by Bear In Heaven

From the dissonance of Red Bloom Of The Boom to the harmonious Beast Rest Forth Mouth, Bear In Heaven continues to be a gripping band despite a substantial progression. The first one emphasized space; this one creates the matter that fills space.

Bear In Heaven: Lovesick Teenagers [mp3]

* * * * *

19. Up From Below by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Epic folk comes in many forms and while Up From Below may not necessarily be a concept album in the true concept album form, it possesses the traits (albeit externally for the most part). As they continue to put out videos from the album, which will ultimately form a near feature-length film, this album’s brilliance will radiate brighter than ever.

Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros: 40 Day Dream [mp3]

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18. We’re On Your Side by Slaraffenland

Few bands have the efficacy of uniqueness than that produced by Slaraffenland. Their plush orchestral instrumentation, bordering on experimental pop, is simultaneously minimal and monumental. And the vocals that coincide with it are expansive. Beauty has nothing on Slaraffenland.

Slaraffenland: Meet And Greet [mp3]

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17. Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective

In my opinion, Merriweather Post Pavilion is Animal Collective’s initial leaning toward becoming more accessible to a wider audience. Fall Be Kind is an even further progression into that realm, but when compared to that which came before, MPP has more songs that fit that classification. A favorite, you can totally hear Noah Lennox’s influence on “Guys Eyes”.

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16. Over And Over by The Legends

At first glance, it may appear that The Legends have returned to their roots with Over And Over, the overly fuzzy basement pop distinct on Up Against The Legends. But in reality, they’ve merely combined many of the sounds over their past three quite distinct albums. This band continues to impress – again, it should be no surprise as to why I regard Johan Angergård as one of today’s most talented musicians.

The Legends: Always The Same [mp3]

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15. You Can Have What You Want by Papercuts

Sometimes you’ll find that certain albums sound better on vinyl. On one hand, it’s the experience of sliding that beautiful piece of wax out of its sleeve and placing it gently on a record player, then watching the needle as it drops in the precise location for optimal listening. You Can Have What You Want by Papercuts is one such album. The good news: this album nears perfection no matter how you take it in.

Papercuts: Future Primitive [mp3]

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14. There Is No Enemy by Built To Spill

This is, without question, my favorite Built To Spill album since Perfect From Now On. Filled with more radio-friendly hits, like “Hindsight” and epic rockers alike, this album nears their prior pinnacle of greatness. “Oh Yeah”, both lyrically and instrumentally, could have been on that earlier album. It has become an easy album favorite.

Built To Spill: Hindsight [mp3]

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13. Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band took a while to catch on for me, but eventually I came around. “Albatross, Albatross, Albatross” was one of my favorite videos of the year, and the album is packed with songs just as powerful. At times these songs hint at metal guitars, but the music is far from the genre – it’s entirely rock, with minor pop sensibilities.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Cheer For Fate [mp3]

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12. Album by Girls

At first, Girls didn’t do much for me. Call it a youthful childish shun; a fear of cooties. But like most young boys, I quickly grew up and started to notice Girls in a way I never thought possible. At first it was subtle – the soft songs like “Hellhole Ratrace”. Eventually the “they’re OK” became a bit more of an intense desire, a longing, an infatuation. The harder songs like “Lust For Life”, “Laura” and “Summertime” all became favorites. Two months ago, I wouldn’t have thought it possible for Album to crack the top 20. Now it sits at #12.

Girls: Hellhole Ratrace [mp3]

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11. The Banyans by The Banyans

Ask anyone about any band within the top, oh 15, and the one that the fewest people will know is The Banyans. This self titled album was self-released by this Seattle band, and done so not as a physical release but as a free download. “Grenade On Course” and “Neon Heat” are some of my favorite songs of 2009. As a whole, this album fits together quite nicely; not something you’d expect from a brand new band.

The Banyans: Grenade On Course [mp3]

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10. Heavy Days by Jeff The Brotherhood

Not since The White Stripes’ early days has a lo-fi punk duo created such an impact (on me, at least). What you get: noisy distorted riffs and sloppy percussion fronted by grungy lyrics. This album might not strike you as anything fancy from the get-go, but give it time and the songs on Heavy Days will blow your fucking mind.

Jeff The Brotherhood: Bone Jam [mp3]

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9. Rules by The Whitest Boy Alive

OK, if you thought Dreams was good, wait until you hear Rules. This album has everything you loved off The Whitest Boy Alive’s debut LP yet does exactly what you expect from a follow-up: it takes it to the next level. Seriously: it does so in every way possible. “High On The Heels” is the shining star here, but “Keep A Secret”, “Courage”, and “Timebomb” are right behind.

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8. Clangour by Sin Fang Bous

In 2008, Sin Fang Bous gave us a teaser off their then forthcoming album, the Clangour 7″ single; both songs fit the experimental electro-pop Sin Fang Bous would come to be known by. Despite that being more than one year ago, the two songs, “Advert In Ives Garden” and “Clangour And Flutes”, are just as mesmerizing as the day I first heard them. Add to them ten additional songs that are just as powerful, and the result is astonishing.

Sin Fang Bous: Catch The Light [mp3]

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7. Eskimo Snow by Why?

With lyrics that flow 1) like poetry, and 2) better than the best gangster rap, Why? has finally caught my attention by demonstrating they are one of today’s best bands thanks to lyrical prowess and masterful wordsmith-ery backed by an impeccable ability to instrumentally craft a great tune.

Why? – This Blackest Purse [mp3]

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6. Yeah I Know by Darlings

Basement pop has never been as upbeat and party-centric as it is with Darlings. As we heard just the other day, “Eviction Party” is an entirely true story, packed with insane antics of the overly imbibed. I associate this album with summer (thanks to being released then, and also having an upbeat sound). “Teenage Girl” will have you falling in love with the young punk chick a few seats away on the bus, while “If This Is Love” is perfect for the moment that summer fling comes to an abrupt halt.

Darlings: If This Is Love [mp3]

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5. Tree House Whispers by Anois

Louder than bedroom pop but not quite fit for the basement, Anois is left with the title King of Living Room Pop. The title, at least in my opinion, is one they are more than worthy of keeping. Tree House Whispers adds in experimental elements, drone, and rounds it all out with sexy foreign accents and all the beauty in the world.

Anois: Happy Holiday [mp3]

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4. Reservoir by Ah Holly Fam’ly

The smokey, nasally vocals of Jeremy Faulkner are about as unique as vocals can get. When backed by the pop-tinged folk of Ah Holly Fam’ly, the result is one of the best albums of the year. Listening to the band’s old stuff, they’ve come a long way from their home-made CD-R days (when we both resided in the Palouse, them in Moscow and me in Pullman. Whatever this band is doing, they should absolutely keep it up. Reservoir is brilliant!

Ah Holly Fam’ly: All Unfolding [mp3]

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3. Wind’s Poem by Mount Eerie

Until Wind’s Poem the two Mount Eerie albums I was most familiar with were Lost Wisdom and Dawn, both of which find Phil Elverum at his more minimal. Not once does he pick up an electric guitar on either album. Thus, Wind’s Poem was a bit of a change – much more in line with the stuff from Microphones – and, overall, this album is phenomenal.

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2. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart

I would say my #1 song this year is “Young Adult Friction” by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart. This song and the album as a whole are both excellent. “Contender” and “Everything With You” are right up there thanks to massive distorted pop and seemingly insurmountable vocal pop hooks.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart: Everything With You [mp3]

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1. AZAR by Venice Is Sinking

The difference between the first and eighth album on this list is, in fact, quite miniscule. These eight albums are truly very close in terms of the power they’ve held on me throughout the year, and their ability to be mainstays on my playlist in the years to come. Still, the decision to put AZAR at #1 wasn’t all that difficult. Venice Is Sinking possesses not only the ability to put out a great record, they are also very forward-thinking from an industry standpoint. I’m very excited to hear what their 3rd LP has in store for us.

Venice Is Sinking: Okay [mp3]

Heavy Days by Jeff The Brotherhood may be my sleeper album of the year. It comes and goes, leaving and re-entering my playlist on a moment’s notice. And with each new re-entry, it stays a bit longer and I get a little more blown away. It is garage rock to the max; the band consists of powerful rock guitar riffs and rock-your-face-off drums. That’s it. The latest from JTB is a video for track 2 off Heavy Days, “U Got The Look”. It’s got a retro early music video style and just features the band playing with various green screen effects. And it’s beautiful… yes, beautiful.

Heavy Days is out now on Infinity Cat Recordings.

Jeff The Brotherhood: Bone Jam [mp3]

“Bone Jam” by JEFF the brotherhood is the epitome of a low-budget music video. And it fits the song and band perfectly. JEFF the brotherhood, like so many bands this year and last, fully realize the term garage band. But where artists like The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and The Splinters and Darlings all are undeniable in their pop sensibilities, JEFF the brotherhood feigns pop for full-on garage rock. Throughout their recent LP Heavy Days, they inject elements of punk and psychedelia in for an unbeatable sound.

Heavy Days is out this October on Infinity Cat. JEFF the brotherhood heads out on the road this month. For a string of west-coast-ish dates, check below the video embed…

Jeff The Brotherhood: Bone Jam [mp3]

JEFF ON TOUR

8/24 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill*
8/25 – Visalia, CA – Cellar Door*
8/26 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Downtown Brew*
8/27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo*
8/30 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Resource Center+
8/31 – Oakland, CA – 21 Grams+
9/3 – Arcata, CA – Jambalaya+
9/4 – Portland, OR – East End+
9/5 – Seattle, WA – Comet Tavern+
9/6 – Bellingham, WA – Whaam+
9/7 – Olympia, WA – Chez Puget
9/8 – Spokane, WA – Emprean Coffee House+
9/9 – Missoula, MT – Badlander+

*with Ted Leo
+with Ty Segall